He straightened as much as he could in the chair, defeat clouding his face.
“Don’t look so sad, Andre. In previous situations like this, the only way out was in a body bag. After receiving the information I needed, of course. The ending wasn’t exactly pleasant for them, either. Whenever someone is resistant, drawing it out is the only option.”
I signaled Jarrett over. “Go ahead and untie him. I have a feeling he won’t do anything stupid.”
His eyes narrowed as Jarrett cut him loose.
I looked him over, noticing it wouldn’t take his face long to heal. Somehow, he’d been spared permanent damage.
“This is a trial period, of course. I’ll see how you do. Hopefully, with your time freelancing, you learned some skills. However, your main purpose, for now, is to get me information about the person who hired you.”
I adjusted my suit, making my way to the door. I gave him time to let it all sink in. I had received my answer the moment his shoulders slumped. Plus, he didn’t put up a fight when he was untied. I turned back toward him before exiting the warehouse.
“By the way, don’t try and double-cross me. I can guarantee it won’t play out in your favor. I’ve been informed of your reputation, and although you might intimidate some people, you’ve stumbled into a completely different league. If that doesn’t make you understand where I’m going with this, just keep in mind that I know everyone. It would only take a few phone calls to disrupt your whole life. I don’t think I need to specify what I mean.”
His jaw clenched, but he nodded in understanding. I didn’t need any more than that. As I made my way to the waiting car, my phone went off. I picked it up, holding my breath. The voice on the other end began speaking before I said a word.
“I think she’s running, boss.”
The man on the other end didn’t need to clarify who he was talking about. I slid into the back seat, signaling my driver to leave.
“Why do you think she’s running?” My voice was calmer than I expected.
“Because we crossed the state line twenty minutes ago.”
I leaned my head against the headrest in exhaustion. “Are you fucking kidding me?”
***
I tried to suppress my temper while Michael informed me of the situation. Apparently, Mia decided to leave her home at the crack of dawn. He couldn’t notify me if she packed any suitcases because he wasn’t aware of her intentions until she drove out the gate. I glanced out the window, noticing we were pulling into heavy traffic—possibly an accident had occurred.
“Why did you wait so long to inform me about this?” I asked.
He was silent for a few seconds. “I thought she was just going to yoga class or something. Don’t rich women do that in the mornings?”
I rolled my eyes. “I suppose some do, but after she drove a good distance, you had to know a yoga class wasn’t on her itinerary.”
I heard him curse on the other end. “So what do you want me to do, boss? Do I detain her? Bring her back to Houston?”
I groaned. I honestly couldn’t bear the thought of anyone detaining, Mia. If it were necessary, I would handle it.
“No, just keep trailing her, and make sure to keep me updated. I have a feeling she isn’t running.”
He was hesitant before replying. “Am I allowed to ask why her driving across the state line isn’t an indication of her running?”
I wanted to tell him it wasn’t any of his goddamn business. Ever since he brought up detaining Mia, I felt he was the wrong person for the job. Michael had done some questionable things in the past, but his loyalty never wavered, even if it meant taking that extra step. I decided to grant him a small dose of information.
“She doesn’t have a reason to run. I haven’t given her husband information that would cause him to question her,” I informed him.
I noticed traffic was beginning to pick up. We were almost moving at normal speed.
“Just keep following her, and if you notice anything suspicious, call me immediately. Don’t wait until twenty minutes have passed,” I demanded.
“All right, boss.” He didn’t argue.
“One more thing, Michael. Where does it look like she’s going?” I questioned, curious as to what she was up to.
“We’ve been hitting some backroads. I’m assuming a small town maybe? If we were going toward a known city, we would’ve stayed on I-10.”
I looked out the window, trying to focus on where Mia was going and not how she fit perfectly underneath me. I had already come to terms with the fact I wanted her again—soon. I would have to find a way to arrange it.
“Yes, I agree. Make sure you remember how to get there, and thoroughly analyze whoever she comes into contact with,” I reminded him.
I ended the call. I was one hundred percent sure she wasn’t running. She was leading us somewhere that just might give me a better understanding of what she knew. I pulled up the search engine on my phone and typed in her birth name: Alyssa Hall. It provided me with hundreds of results and articles dating back to all those years ago. The first one was one I’d seen before. I decided to read it with fresh eyes. The title bringing that night back to life.
Did Fredrick Hall Kill His Wife?
By: Natalie Rivera
June 1, 2007
There has been countless amounts of speculation regarding the recent murder of Jocelyn Hall. She was an icon to women throughout the city and a loving wife and mother to her husband and daughter. So who killed her? It’s the question everyone is dying to know. The rumor surfacing is that all the information collected at the crime scene is circumstantial. Also, the only DNA found at the scene is of her husband and daughter, who both live in the home. Which brings us to the million-dollar question… Did Fredrick Hall murder his wife? If he didn’t, where did he disappear to? Maybe getting rid of the murder weapon that ended Jocelyn Hall’s life? If that’s the case, does it really take over a week to dispose of a murder weapon? Inquiring minds are dying to know.
I closed the webpage, going back to the results. The one that piqued my interest followed not too long after the first.
The Girl Who Found Her Mother: The Tragic Discovery
By: Veronica Cole
June 12, 2007
It’s been brought to attention that not only has Fredrick Hall been declared missing, but that his daughter, Alyssa, found her mother’s already dead body. We haven’t gained any insight into the state of Alyssa Hall, but it doesn’t take a genius to realize that she probably isn’t doing well. The tragic death of one parent and the possible betrayal of another would cause any sane person to lose sleep. However, an inside source verified Alyssa has been cooperating with police, helping out in any way she can. The bravery of this poor girl shows strength many others lack. The idea she might lead police to the truth, which just might convict the only parent she has left, pains me just to write about it. Unfortunately, that’s all the information we’ve been given thus far. It’s starting to seem like this just might be another cold case.
I went back to the results, realizing the only thing they were doing was making me anxious. How could I not have known? The picture Alek had shown me brought me up to speed fairly quickly, but the instant I saw her in my club, I should’ve registered who she was. The woman had been beneath me, looking directly into my eyes, and her true identity never dawned on me. I should’ve known those eyes that challenged me weren’t only from photographs and events we’d seen each other at in passing, but were from years before.
It was clear the situation with Mia wasn’t going to be easily fixed. Even if she only remembered a fraction of what happened that night, it would be a risk. I continued to search through the results, hoping to find something about her after everything had died down with the murder, but there was nothing. It was like any sighting of her had been wiped clean. I had almost given up hope when a link caught my attention. It was dated back five years.
Is Alyssa Hall In Hiding?
By: Matthew
Green
April 4, 2012
I don’t think anyone can forget the tragic death of Jocelyn Hall back in June 2007. It became quite the case when her husband never returned home that night. They were a family who was often in the spotlight, and so many people wanted justice and answers. Their daughter, Alyssa, was sadly in the middle of it all. She is the one who found her mother’s already dead body. She was the one helping police find her mother’s killer. Yes, there was much speculation about Fredrick Hall’s whereabouts that night, including accusations that he indeed was the killer himself. However, as has been proven a million times, if you don’t have actual evidence behind it, the circumstantial evidence won’t get you anywhere. So, we were left with nothing. No justice. No answers. The case became what so many feared: A cold case.
Now, nearly five years down the road, it’s been brought to our attention that Alyssa Hall is nowhere to be found. After the case ran dry, we all just accepted the fact there would be no answers in the end. It was done. Over. The next big thing hit the news, and we all forgot about poor Alyssa, letting her fade away with her mother’s memories and her father’s disappearance. She hasn’t been seen at any high school or college, which brings us to my next question: Where is she? Is she in protective custody, or did she simply change her name? If so, why?
The reasons are broad. There just might be a large piece of the puzzle that was kept confidential. There just might be more to the story then any of us thought. If you want my personal opinion, which is the same as so many others, Fredrick Hall just might be innocent and the killer is still out there. Alyssa Hall in hiding just might be a confirmation of that.
I quickly exited the webpage, tossing my phone on the seat. After finishing the article, I realized everyone didn’t believe the story the news had spun, blaming the missing husband for his wife’s death. There were some people out there who thought Fredrick Hall was innocent. I closed my eyes, letting the article sink in. A few keywords roamed through my mind—hiding, Alyssa. I whispered the last one, realizing I liked it better. Alyssa was more fiery and sassy, it fit her much better than Mia, but it appeared that girl was gone. She was replaced by someone I knew nothing about. Alyssa Hall was a distant memory, and she had no intention of coming back.
I opened my eyes, noticing we had arrived at our destination. The police department wasn’t a place I was thrilled about visiting, but the visit was long overdue. I needed to get some answers. It was the only way I could attempt to fix things.
“How long, Mr. Black?” my driver asked.
I looked in the rear-view mirror. “This shouldn’t take long. Fifteen minutes, max.”
I climbed out of the back seat, grabbing my phone. A bitter taste suddenly in my mouth, I walked into the building and signed the necessary papers, cautiously walking into the visiting lobby. My brother sat with a scowl on his face. It didn’t change when I took a seat.
“What the hell took you so long?” he immediately asked.
I leaned back in the chair, crossing my arms. “I’ve been busy, Justin. It appears you’re not the only issue we’re dealing with these days. Being that you are my younger brother, I’ve decided to share some of my spare time. I don’t have long.”
He gave a short laugh. “Wow. This is unbelievable. I’ve been in here barely a week, and you’ve already gotten in his good graces. I was a fool for believing things would ever change. I was just a placeholder until you decided to come back.”
I held my hands up in surrender. “You know that isn’t true, Justin. You did—”
He cut me off. “Tell me, Wesley. How long did it take him to contact you after I was picked up? I bet he was more than thrilled to be able to use the famous, ‘You need to take your place’ card.”
I took a deep breath, trying not to get worked up. My brother had a way of pushing my buttons.
“This is not my doing, brother.” I motioned around the room. “You are in this situation because you were careless. I told you to be careful and trust no one. You know how many people want to bring us down, little brother? I couldn’t even name them if I tried. The damn list is too long.”
I leaned closer to him before continuing. “Let’s get this straight, Justin. I’m here because you couldn’t handle it. You wanted too much. You weren’t satisfied with what we already had. Your greediness got the best of you. Now look where you are. Not to mention this isn’t a good look for any of us.”
He tried to speak, but I stopped him.
“Who are you mixed up with? Tell me, so I can try and fix it.”
He ignored me, refusing to answer. “Just get me out of here, Wesley.” His voice was threatening and low. “Get the old man to pull a few strings of those professional puppets of his, then we can talk about what can be fixed.”
I shook my head. “It’s not that easy, Justin. You have some pretty big allegations against you. If you didn’t, you would’ve been out of here already. I don’t think I need to remind you that loyalty doesn’t mean anything if you’re in jail.”
He frowned. “It’s not that simple, Wes.”
I could tell my brother was conflicted.
“Yes, it is. You give them what they need, and you can walk out of here.”
He stared into space with an unusual look on his face. It was a mix of defeat and worry.
“I’m going to need a new lawyer, Wes, and make sure you get me one of the best.”
I looked at him in disbelief. “You don’t need another lawyer, Justin. You just need to give them information on who set you up.”
“I’m finished talking about this. Just get me a new lawyer so I can get bail.” He wasn’t backing down.
I cleared my throat. “So you’re going to sit in here and go through the unnecessary process of hiring another lawyer?” I looked around, lowering my voice. “You can easily tell them what you know…”
“I said I’m done talking. Just get me a lawyer.”
Justin pushed the chair away from the table and walked off. It appeared the visit had been a waste of my time. I made a quick phone call on my way out of the building.
“Call around and see who the best lawyer in the city is.”
“Am I missing something? Are you in some kind of trouble?” The voice on the other end was confused.
“No, I’m not, but it appears my brother is going to have himself a trial.”
“I forgot you were going by there today. Judging by your mood, I sense it didn’t go according to plan?”
“It was a complete waste of my time. He doesn’t understand this isn’t just affecting him. If he’s found guilty, it’s going to hurt the entire business.”
“You’re right, but don’t worry about it. I have someone in mind. If your brother cooperates with him and lets him know what’s really going on, I’m sure this situation can quickly be put to rest.”
“One can only hope he cooperates. I noticed he has a bit of a chip on his shoulder with me for working for our father again. He claims he was just a pawn.”
“No one wants to go to prison, Wesley. If he wants his freedom back, he will do what’s necessary.”
The second I ended the call, the car pulled up. I hopped inside, motioning for him to leave.
“Where to, Mr. Black?”
“Take me back to the hotel. I just remembered my father mentioned my other brother is back in town. I think we need to have a chat.”
Chapter Thirteen
Mia
I NEEDED TO LEAVE. I couldn’t bear another second of being in the same room with my aunt. The worst scenario had been the right one. She had betrayed me, keeping something tremendously important from me all these years. It felt like my heart had been completely ripped out.
“Sweetheart, you have to understand why I would keep this from you. If you weren’t only a child at the time, I would’ve—” she started, but I couldn’t listen to anymore.
“I think I should leave.” I stood from the chair, pushing it back angrily.
“Alyssa, I
know you know running isn’t going to fix anything.”
Tears welled in my eyes. “Stop calling me by that name, Joyce…please,” I whispered. “My name is Mia. Alyssa is gone.”
She shook her head. “That’s where you’re mistaken, sweetheart. You can never outrun your past. It will always find its way back to you. The best thing you can do is accept who you are. If you don’t, it will only cause you more pain.” She gently gripped my chin. “Tell me, child. What exactly do you dream about?” She studied me, then continued, “Alys... I mean, Mia, those dreams you have of your mother… Are they really from happy times together, or are they constant reminders of that horrible night?”
I pulled away, taking a few steps back, aggressively wiping tears from my face. “I can’t talk about it, Joyce. I won’t…” My lips trembled. “This is all too much. It was a mistake coming here. I need to go, right now. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
She gave me a stern look but didn’t walk toward me. Instead, her eyes filled with something I hadn’t seen since the day I told her I was leaving. Disappointment. Hurt.
“You’re right, Mia. Alyssa is gone, along with any connection you had to her.” She placed her hands on her hips. “You’re not the same, Mia. The girl I raised wouldn’t run. She would want answers and wouldn’t stop until she found them.” She stood in front of me, her eyes never leaving mine.
“Someone is looking for you, sweetheart. If they went through the trouble of leading you here, I could guarantee they know more about you then you think. Especially if they called you Alyssa. Did they call you by that name?”
The text was still vivid in my mind. It was as clear as when I stared at it on my nightstand hours before.
“Yes, it said Alyssa.”
It was all becoming clear. Who else would call me by that name if it wasn’t my aunt?
“If it is my father, Joyce, what do you think he wants from me? Why would he lead me over here and not show his face?”
“I think you’ve misunderstood, dear. I was just informing you that your father contacted me the night your mother was killed.” Her face filled with pain. “He asked me to take care of you because he couldn’t go home. He said he couldn’t go into detail, but he would take care of everything.”
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